Broadcast spreader with movable deflector

ABSTRACT

A broadcast spreader with a movable deflector is disclosed. The spreader distributes particulate material by a rotating plate which when operating, always impacts material on the deflector. The deflector and a mounting track prevent dispensing material impacting on a user of the spreader, and when the deflector is extended, also prevent dispensing material distributing to the right side of the spreader. In this way, lawns which abut a driveway or a flowerbed may have material distributed on them without also depositing material on the driveway or flowerbed. Further, the deflector is integral with a port closure panel which automatically reduces, in a proportional manner, the flow of particulate material as the deflector is extended.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a broadcast spreader and moreparticularly to a broadcast spreader having a simple and reliablemovable deflector.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Rotary broadcast spreaders are well known in the art. Forexample, reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,769,302; 1,998,966;2,287,080; 2,474,064; 2,537,916; 2,687,892; 2,955,828; 2,958,530;2,989,314; 3,085,807; 3,094,333; 3,109,657; 3,157,402; 3,226,461;3,411,719; 3,478,970; 3,576,262; 3,682,395; 4,272,028; 4,367,848;4,492,341; 4,511,090; 4,580,730; 4,597,531; 5,123,598; and 5,203,510.U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,580,730 and 4,597,531, in particular, are incorporatedherein by reference. An impeller broadcast spreader includes a hopperwhich receives material to be dispensed, such as particulate or granularmaterials like fertilizer, pesticides and seeds. The hopper is mountedto a pair of wheels, and a gearset is mounted to an axle between thewheels. The gearset rotates when the wheels are rotated. This causes theimpeller to rotate which in turn causes the dispensing particulatematter to be distributed. Generally the dispensed material is spreadabout five feet to the left and to the right of the centerline of thehopper. Controls are provided to meter the dispensed material and adeflector may be present with its own control, such as shown in U.S.Pat. No. 4,511,090.

[0005] A problem that has been bothering the industry is the handling ofdispensed material when there is a sharp divide between different areasof a yard. For example, grass may be immediately adjacent a flowerbed ora driveway. In these situations when there is a need to seed orfertilize the lawn area, but not have the seed land on the drivewaywhere it will do no good or in the flowerbed where it is not wanted,adjusting the pattern of distribution is difficult. Another problemrelates to the dispensing of certain material. It is desired thatcontrol products, such as herbicides and pesticides, be restricted onlyto the area intended and not where it may do damage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The difficulties encountered have been overcome by the presentinvention. What is described here is a spreader for broadcastingparticulate material in a controlled distribution pattern comprising acontainer for holding material to be dispensed, a pair of wheelsconnected to the container for facilitating movement of the container ina direction of travel, a rotatable plate mounted to the container forreceiving dispensed material from the container and for distributing thematerial, a mechanism for rotating the plate, a deflector connected tothe container for controlling the distribution of the material, thedeflector being movable about the plate, a track attached to thecontainer for supporting the deflector, a port disposed between thecontainer and the plate for passing dispensed material and a portclosure element connected to and movable with the deflector forselectively blocking the port.

[0007] There are a number of advantages, features and objects achievedwith the present invention which are believed not to be available inearlier related devices. For example, one advantage is that the presentinvention provides a control of the pattern of dispensing material froma yard spreader. Another object of the present invention is to provide abroadcast spreader having a dispensing control mechanism which issimple, reliable and economical. A further advantage of the presentinvention is that the dispensing control mechanism is easy to operate.Another feature of the present invention is that undesirable dispensedmaterial is blocked from striking a user pushing the spreader frombehind.

[0008] A more complete understanding of the present invention and otherobjects, advantages and features thereof will be gained from aconsideration of the following description of the preferred embodimentread in conjunction with the accompanying drawing provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0009]FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of the broadcast spreader of thepresent invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the broadcast spreader of FIG.1.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the container of the spreader shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

[0012]FIG. 4 is an upward looking isometric view of a mounting track ofthe present invention.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a downward looking rear isometric view of the mountingtrack of FIG. 4.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the mounting track shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

[0015]FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.5.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of a deflector of the presentinvention.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a downward looking rear isometric view of the deflectorshown in FIG. 8.

[0018]FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0019]FIG. 11 is an upward looking isometric view of the deflector andtrack attached to the bottom of the container and showing the deflectorin a retracted position.

[0020]FIG. 12 is an upward looking isometric view of the deflector andtrack mounted to the bottom of the container and showing the deflectorin an extended position.

[0021]FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating a spread patternwith the deflector retracted.

[0022]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating a spread patternwith the deflector extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] While the present invention is open to various modifications andalternative constructions, the preferred embodiment shown in the drawingwill be described herein in detail. It is understood, however, thatthere is no intention to limit the invention to the particular formdisclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in theappended claims.

[0024] The simplicity of the new spreader may be seen by referring firstto FIGS. 1 and 2. Front and rear isometric views of a broadcast spreader10 are illustrated. The spreader includes a container or hopper 12 intowhich particulate or granular material such as fertilizer, pesticides,herbicides, seed and the like are placed by a user. The hopper 12 ismounted to a pair of wheels 14, 16 which are connected by an axle 18.Connecting the hopper to the wheels and the axle are opposing tubularlegs 20, 22 which are also connected to a tubular handle 24 and atubular rest stand 26.

[0025] Located beneath the hopper 12 is a rotatable plate, rotor plateor impeller 30 which is driven by a set of gears within a gearbox 32.The upper portion of the tubular handle may include a foam grip 34, andthe spreader may be foldable at a junction 36 to allow storage andshipping in a compact configuration. A hopper closure assembly includinga closure lever 40, an adjustment micrometer 42, a control wire 44 and aslidable closure plate 46 are provided to allow an operator to meter theamount of material which leaves the hopper. The hopper has an opening45, FIG. 3, at its lowest elevation through which the dispensingmaterial leaves the hopper. The closure plate 46 is mounted to thehopper to block or unblock the opening 45 depending upon whether thespreader is in use. When in use, an operator may manipulate themicrometer to adjust the degree to which the opening is unblocked. Iflarger particulate matter is being dispensed, the closure plate mayblock less of the opening. If fine material is being dispensed, more ofthe opening may be blocked. The position of the closure plate iscontrolled by the lever 40 and the micrometer 42 and the decisions ofthe user are transmitted by the wire 44 to the closure plate. Disposedjust upstream of the impeller 30 are a deflector 50 and a track 52 towhich the deflector is mounted in a rotatable relationship.

[0026] The deflector and track are simple, reliable and economical asreference to FIGS. 4-7 and then 8-10 will show. In FIGS. 4-7, there isillustrated the integral one piece molded mounting track 52 having twoattachment tabs 62, 64. Each tab has a hole for receiving a fastener forconnection to the hopper 12. The mounting track has an arcuate shapeextending approximately one hundred and fifty five degrees and a smoothinner surface 66. An outer surface 68 is reinforced by several ribs suchas the rib 70. The mounting track has a generally smoothly curvedupsidedown L-shaped cross section as illustrated in FIG. 7. A flange 72extends from a lower edge. Depending fingers 73, 74, 75 are provided atspaced intervals along the flange 72 to receive and support a matingflange on the deflector as will be explained hereinbelow. A similarseries of fingers 76, 77, 78 are located at the upper edge of themounting track for the purpose of receiving and supporting anotherflange of the deflector as will also be explained hereinbelow. A channelshaped passage 79 is formed in the upper portion of the mounting trackfor accommodating a deflector operating link or cable 80, FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the deflector 50 is illustrated indetail. The deflector has two portions, an arcuate shaped portion 102and a radially extending arm portion 104. The arcuate shaped portion 102extends for approximately one hundred and twenty five degrees andincludes a generally smoothly curved, upsidedown L-shaped cross sectionas shown in FIGS. 8 and 10. The deflector has a smooth interior surface106 and a similarly smooth exterior surface 108 which is to nestadjacent the inner surface 66 of the track 52. A lower flange 110 isintegral with the arcuate portion. An upper region 111 of the arcuateportion adjacent an upper edge 112 is formed like a flange to bereceived by the upper fingers 76, 77, 78 of the mounting track, FIG. 4.The lower flange 110 of the deflector is adapted to be received by thelower fingers 73, 74, 75 on the mounting track. In this way thedeflector may be engaged with the mounting track and supported thereby.

[0028] The deflector may be rotated between a retracted position asshown in FIG. 11 and a fully extended position as shown in FIG. 12. Theshape of the deflector matches that of the mounting track although thedeflector extends for about one hundred and twenty five degrees. One cannow appreciate that whether the deflector is in the retracted positionor in the fully extended position or in any position in between, somedispensing material flowing from the hopper unto the rotating plate willimpact the deflector. When the deflector is retracted, it and the trackprotect a user pushing the spreader from the dispensing material. Whenthe deflector is fully extended, the mounting track is mostly exposed toblock any particulate matter being distributed from hitting the user ofthe spreader. When the deflector is fully extended particulate materialis also prevented from being distributed to the right of the spreader aswill be explained. When retracted the combined track and deflectorextend about one hundred and fifty-five degrees. When the deflector isextended the combined track and deflector extend about two hundred andtwenty degrees.

[0029] The radially extending arm portion 104 extends from the leadingend of the arcuate shaped portion 106 and includes a circular rim 114and a bearing ring 116 that mates with a center post of the rotatableplate 30. Extending beyond the circular rim is a projecting closurepanel 118. This panel acts as a valve for partially blocking a portthrough which the dispensing material flows when the spreader isoperating and the closure plate 46 unblocks the hopper opening 45. Whenthe deflector is rotated relative to the mounting track, the blockingpanel 118 also rotates and moves relative to the port for partiallyblocking the port to reduce the flow of dispensing material.

[0030] It should be noted that while the deflector rotated about theaxis of rotation of the rotor plate in a generally horizontal plane, thedeflector is offset slightly, about 0.030 inches, so that a lessermovement of a control lever is able to set the deflector's disposition.Also, forming the deflector as a molded, integral piece, means that onlyone operating lever is needed since the arcuate portion of the deflectorand the arm portion with the closure panel move as one element. Tofacilitate movement of the deflector a hole 120 is formed in theradially extending arm portion 104. The cable 80 leading to a controllever 122, FIGS. 1 and 2, may be connected to the arm portion throughthe hole.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the deflector is shown mountedto the underside of the hopper. There is also shown a port 126 which isdisposed just downstream of the opening 45 in the hopper. In FIG. 11,the deflector 50 is shown attached to the mounting track 52. The upperregion 111 of the deflector is engaged by the fingers 76, 77, 78 of themounting track, and the flange 110 is engaged with the fingers 73, 74,75. There is a substantial arcuate overlap of the deflector with themounting track. In this position, the port 126 is fully open or fullyunblocked by the closure panel 118. During operation, a full spread willbe dispensed with only the rearward distribution of material beingblocked by the deflector and to a smaller extent by that portion of themounting track not covered by the deflector. It is noted that when thespreader is in operation, the deflector will always be impacted by thedispensing material whether in the retracted or in the extendedposition. A feature of the spreader is now apparent. None of thedispensed material will hit the user who will be located rearward of thespreader. This keeps the user clean and prevents undesirable materialfrom landing on the user's clothes or shoes.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 12, the deflector 50 is shown in its fullyextended position. Much more of the mounting track is now exposed andthe region to the right side of the rotor plate is blocked. Thisprevents rightward distribution. If there is a driveway or flowerbed tothe right of a lawn, the lawn may be provided with a distributedmaterial but not the flowerbed or the driveway. While the deflector isillustrated fully extended in FIG. 12, a user may limit the extension ofthe deflector to any one of an infinite number of positions between theretracted position of FIG. 11 and the extended position of FIG. 12. Thisprovides for close control of the distribution pattern of the material.

[0033] It is again noted that regardless of the position of thedeflector, it will be impacted by dispensed material when the spreaderis operating. Also the user will always be protected from rearwardprojecting dispensed material. Both of these features are advantages ofthe present invention. It is further noted that because of the slightoffset of the deflector, it will still rotate in a generally horizontalplane but it will move slightly outwardly and forwardly. Essentially,there is no vertical movement which may expose the region to the rear ofthe rotor plate to dispensing material as is the case with some olderspreaders.

[0034] Again referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, it is noted that when thedeflector is in a retracted position (FIG. 11), the closure panel 118 isin an unblocked position so that the full quantity of material will bedispensed through the port 126. However, when the deflector is deployedby rotation in a clockwise direction toward the extended position (FIG.12), the closure panel also rotates clockwise to partially cover theport. (The view to determine rotational direction is made from under thehopper, looking upwardly.) The closure panel 118 will progressivelyblock more and more of the port 126 as the deflector is extendedresulting in a progressive reduction of the flow of material from thehopper. With the deflector extended, less ground is covered by thedispensed material. Hence, it is highly desirable to reduce the totalamount of material dispensed so as to avoid “ridging” or theover-concentration of dispensed material.

[0035] The linkage mechanism for controlling the deflector includes thecable 80 attached to the deflector arm portion 104 after passing throughthe passage 79 in the track. The cable leads to the control lever 122,mounted to the handle 24. The lever may be operated by a user's thumb toextend or retract the cable and thereby to rotate the deflector one wayor the other. It is noted that the same control lever operates both thedeflector and the closure panel.

[0036] In operation, a user 140, FIGS. 13, 14, fills the hopper 12 andsets the micrometer. The user sets the location of the deflector, pusheson the closure lever 40 and moves forward (in the direction of the arrow142) by pushing on the handle 24. When the deflector is fully retracted,the spread of material is fan shaped 144, FIG. 13, extending about onehundred and thirty degrees. When the deflector is fully extended, thedistribution is a partial fan shape 146 as shown in FIG. 14 andextending about eighty degrees. By adjusting the lever 122, the “fanshape” distribution may be contracted as desired. Hence, if a drivewayedge 148 is to the right of the user (when facing in the direction oftravel) he/she can move the deflector to cause the distribution patternto cease at the driveway edge in a line nearly identical to the linetraversed by the right wheel of the spreader. Not only is thedistribution pattern closely controlled but concentrations of thematerial to be spread are also controlled, automatically, because theplacement of the deflector 50 also determines the degree to which theport 126 is blocked by the closure panel 118. The greater the spreadpattern, the more material is dispensed; with a smaller pattern, lessmaterial is dispensed.

[0037] The full spread pattern shown in FIG. 13 is an elongated stripextending as far as the user walks and having a width identical to thewidth of the fan 144, in practice, about ten feet. The head of the stripwill be almost a semicircle. The partial spread shown in FIG. 14 is alsoa strip, but a narrow one having a width equal to the width of thepartial fan 146. The volume of material deposited in the wider stripwill be greater than the volume of material deposited in the narrowerstrip because of the partial block of the port through which thematerial passes when flowing from the hopper to the rotor plate.

[0038] The specification describes in detail an embodiment of thepresent invention. Other modifications and variations will, under thedoctrine of equivalents, come within the scope of the appended claims.For example, changing the dimensions of the hopper, the hopper opening,the port size, the deflector or any other element will still result inequivalent structures. Also changing the arcuate extent of the deflectorand/or the mounting track are also considered equivalent structures.Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will many newtechnologies. There is no desire or intention here to limit in any waythe application of the doctrine of equivalents.

1. A spreader for broadcasting particulate materials in a controlledpattern of distribution comprising: a container for holding the materialto be dispensed; means connected to said container for facilitatingmovement of said container in a direction of travel; a rotatable platemounted to said container for receiving dispensed material from saidcontainer and for distributing said material; a mechanism for rotatingsaid plate; a deflector connected to said container for controlling thedistribution of said material, said deflector being movable about saidplate; a track attached to said container for supporting said deflector;a port disposed between said container and said plate for passingdispensed material; and a port closure element connected to and movablewith said deflector for selectively blocking said port.
 2. An apparatusas claimed in claim 1 wherein: said track blocks the dispensing ofmaterial in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of saidcontainer.
 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said deflectoris movable between a retracted position and a plurality of extendedpositions, said movement being by rotational motion in a generallyhorizontal plane.
 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: saiddeflector has a generally L-shaped cross section.
 5. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein: said deflector includes an arcuate portionand a radially extending arm portion and is integral with said portclosure element.
 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: saiddeflector is disposed to always be impacted by dispensing material uponoperation of the spreader.
 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1wherein: said deflector has an arcuate portion having an extent of aboutone hundred and twenty five degrees.
 8. An apparatus as claimed in claim1 wherein: said mounting track has an L-shaped cross section and anarcuate extent of about one hundred and fifty five degrees.
 9. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said deflector and saidmounting track each has an arcuate shape and said deflector is movablebetween a retracted position and a fully extended position, saiddeflector and said mounting element subscribing when the deflector is ina fully extended position an arc of about 220 degrees.
 10. An apparatusas claimed in claim 1 including: a linkage mechanism for facilitatingthe movement of said deflector about said plate.
 11. An apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 wherein: said deflector is rotationally mounted aboutsaid plate, said axis of rotation of said deflector being offset fromthe axis of rotation of said plate.
 12. An apparatus as claimed in claim2 wherein: said deflector is movable between a retracted position and aplurality of extended positions, said movement being by rotationalmotion in a generally horizontal plane.
 13. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 12 wherein: said deflector includes an arcuate portion and aradial arm and is integral with said port closure element.
 14. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein: said deflector is disposed toalways be impacted by said dispensing material upon operation of thespreader.
 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein: saiddeflector has an arcuate portion having an extent of about one hundredand twenty five degrees and said mounting track has an arcuate extent ofabout one hundred and fifty five degrees.
 16. An apparatus as claimed inclaim 15 including: a linkage mechanism for facilitating the movement ofsaid deflector about said plate.
 17. A spreader for broadcastingparticulate materials comprising: a container for holding material to bedispensed; means connected to said container for facilitating movementof said container; a rotatable plate mounted to said container forreceiving dispensed material from said container and for distributingsaid material; a mechanism for rotating said plate; a movable deflectorconnected to said container for controlling the pattern of distributionof said material, said deflector being movable about said plate; and amounting track attached to said container for supporting said deflector,said deflector being movable between a retracted position and aplurality of extended positions, said movement being by rotationalmotion in a generally horizontal direction.
 18. An apparatus as claimedin claim 17 including: a port disposed between said container and saidplate for passing dispensed material; and a port closure elementconnected to and movable with said deflector for selectively blockingsaid port.
 19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 wherein: saiddeflector includes an arcuate portion and a radially extending arm andis integral with said port closure element.
 20. An apparatus as claimedin claim 20 wherein: said deflector and said mounting track both havegenerally L-shaped cross sections; said deflector extends about onehundred and twenty five degrees; and said track extends about onehundred fifty five degrees.
 21. A spreader for broadcasting particulatematerials comprising: a container for holding material to be dispensed;means connected to said container for facilitating movement of saidcontainer in a direction of travel; a rotatable plate mounted to saidcontainer for receiving dispensed materials from said container and fordistributing said material; a mechanism for rotating said plate; adeflector connected to said container for controlling the pattern ofdistribution of said material, said deflector being movable about saidplate; and a mounting track attached to said container for supportingsaid deflector, said deflector spreading said material in a patternhaving a generally straight, right edge parallel to the direction oftravel of said container and close to the right side of said container.22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 including: a port disposedbetween said container and said plate for passing dispensed material;and a port closure element connected and movable with said deflector forselectively blocking said port.
 23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 22wherein: said deflector includes an arcuate portion and a radiallyextending arm and is integral with said port closure element.
 24. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 23 wherein: said deflector and saidmounting track each have an arcuate shape and said deflector is movablebetween a retracted position and a fully extended position, saiddeflector and said mounting track subscribing when said deflector is ina fully extended position an arc of about two hundred and twentydegrees.
 25. A spreader for broadcasting particulate materialscomprising: a container for holding material to be dispensed; meansconnected to said container for facilitating movement of said containerin a direction of travel; a rotatable plate mounted to said containerfor receiving dispensed material from said container and fordistributing said material; a mechanism for rotating said plate; amovable deflector connected to said container for controlling thepattern of distribution of said material, said deflector being movableabout said plate; and a mounting track attached to said container forsupporting said deflector and for blocking the distribution of materialin a direction opposite to the direction of travel of said container.26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25 wherein: said mounting trackallows said deflector to move by rotational movement in a generallyhorizontal plane.
 27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26 including: aport disposed between said container and said plate for passingdispensed material; and a port closure element connected to and movablewith said deflector for selectively blocking said port.
 28. An apparatusas claimed in claim 27 wherein: said deflector includes an arcuateportion and a radially extending arm and is integral with said portclosure element.
 29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 28 wherein: saiddeflector has a generally L-shaped cross section; said mounting trackhas a generally L-shaped cross section; said deflector has an arcuateportion extending about one hundred twenty five degrees; and saidmounting track has an arcuate extent of about one hundred and fifty fivedegrees.